The 8 Most Beautiful Routes in Vermont You Need to Drive On This 2025

Exploring Vermont by Car?

These drives are about slowing down, soaking in the views, and stumbling on hidden gems along the way. Whether you call Vermont home or you’re just passing through, these roads are a ticket to some serious adventures.

Vermont Route 100

Route 100 is the heart of Vermont. It even made it into The Cider House Rules. This 146-mile stretch takes about 2-3 hours, from Massachusetts up to the Canadian border.

The road’s in good shape year-round. But fall’s the sweet spot. Summer’s great too, with all that lush greenery. And don’t miss the farm stands selling cider donuts.

Lincoln Gap

When you’re heading to Lincoln Gap from Route 100 in Warren, it’s about 30 minutes, give or take. This stretch is the steepest paved mile in the U.S. Back in Prohibition, this road was used for smuggling.

Running 4.4 miles long, the Warren side’s all paved, but expect some rough spots as you get further in. Skip the drive after the first snow in October. They shut it down. Best time to go? Late spring through fall when the wildflowers pop.

Pleasant Valley

Pleasant Valley’s made for a slow roll.

You’ll pass farms with cows lounging around, and if you’re lucky, spot some local art along the way. It’s about a 20-mile loop through a road that’s mostly paved, well-maintained, and open all year long.

Spring and summer are great for the blooms and outdoor activities. But here’s the kicker – this place has some of the best stargazing you’ll find. If you’re driving at night, pull over and take it all in.

Lake Champlain Bridge

Crossing the Lake Champlain Bridge?

They rebuilt it after it collapsed in 2000. It’s a 15-minute, 3-mile drive across the bridge, and summer’s perfect for clear views of the lake and the mountains.

Sunset’s the time to do it – the sky turns this wild orange-pink that’s almost unreal. On either side, you’ve got parks to stretch your legs or maybe enjoy a picnic.

Scenic Byway in Stowe

Stowe’s scenic byway’s got a serious following.

The road winds through some jaw-dropping views. The drive from Stowe to Waterbury takes about 30 minutes, covering roughly 10 miles along the Green Mountain Byway.

Keep your eyes peeled—on your left, you’ll spot Stowe Mountain Resort. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, just looming in the distance.

Interstate 89 in Montpelier

Cruising down Interstate 89 is a pretty solid ride.

Takes 30 minutes, covering 25 miles from Montpelier to Burlington. The road’s in good shape, though winter can be dramatic.

As you head north, the Green Mountains start showing off on your right, especially around Richmond and Waterbury. The Winooski River’s right alongside the highway, giving you some sweet river views.

It’s a smooth, scenic stretch that doesn’t disappoint.

Mad River in Warren

Mad River Valley? Total Vermont classic.

Driving along the Mad River Byway, you’ll be wrapped in forests and rolling hills. This 15-mile stretch is mostly paved with a few narrow spots to keep things interesting.

This route is open year-round. And here’s a gem—stop at Warren Falls, where the water tumbles into natural swimming holes. Perfect for a summer dip, it’s worth the detour.

Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge

The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is one of the longest in America.

It’s only about 10 minutes from Windsor to Cornish, covering around 5 miles. When you cross the bridge, you’re treated to a killer view of the Connecticut River flowing below.

Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead. They’re often flying around this spot, adding a bit of extra magic to the scene.

Smuggler’s Notch

Smuggler’s Notch is a pretty chill drive, with some serious history behind it. Back in the day, this was a smuggling route for liquor coming in from Canada.

It’s about a 30-minute, 8-mile scenic drive through the notch. You’ll wind your way through this narrow pass, and then—boom—you’re surrounded by these massive 1,000-foot cliffs and rock formations. Just stop and stare.

The road’s narrow and steep, and it could close in winter, so check the conditions before you go. There are plenty of pull-offs, like the Smugglers’ Notch Picnic Area.